A new pocket park will be named after Wimberley hero Martha Knies after a unanimous vote from Wimberley city council and the parks department board.
Before Wimberley was a city there was Martha Knies, who began and continues her legacy by cleaning up parks in the Wimberley area. In 2000, when Wimberley was incorporated, Knies was on the first city council, and was responsible for the purchase of the Cypress Nature Creek Preserve.
She is now in her 80s. The Martha Knies park will be located on the trailhead near the preserve on Old Kyle Road.
The park features a garden and statue that embodies her devotion to community service and beautification of parks. The sculpture is a girl leaning on a tree trunk writing music while birds and critters surround her.
An anonymous person donated $50,000, which is expected to be used for bathrooms and a sprinkler system for the garden. Currently, financial estimates beyond the donation are in their early stages for the pocket park.
Knies is humbled to be recognized with a park.
“I didn’t expect any recognition. I just love a place of rest and play. I feel honored to help other people enjoy nature,” Knies said.
Stephanir Nestlerode, who played a huge role to get Knies commemorated, said she wants people for future generations to recognize Knies’ impact on Wimberley.
“I want young people to see that if you have a life of service dedicated to a community then you can be noticed. She gets involved with everything there is to do. In her 80s she still wakes up thinking how can I help,” Nestlerode said.
Knies continues her legacy with the project “Keep Wimberley Beautiful,” which donates grants to local parks, decorates the Cypress Creek bridge and many other projects residents don’t realize make their community pleasing. Currently, “Keep Wimberley Beautiful” is accepting donations that will go towards the completion of the Martha Knies park.
